How to import data in Ax2009 from a CSV file

In Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, importing data from a CSV file can be done through the Data Import Export Framework (DIXF), AIF (Application Integration Framework), or by using X++ code to handle custom imports. Here's a step-by-step guide to importing data from a CSV file:

Method 1: Using AIF (Application Integration Framework)

AIF is commonly used for integrating external data in AX 2009. Here's how you can use it to import data from a CSV file.

Step 1: Create an AIF Service

1. Define an inbound port for the data import:

   • Navigate to Basic > Application Integration Framework > Channels.
   • Create a new channel for importing the CSV file, specifying the necessary details.

2. Create a Data Service:

   • Go to Basic > Application Integration Framework > Services.
   • Add a new service or choose an existing one that handles the type of data you want to import (e.g., purchase orders, vendors).

3. Setup File Adapter:

   • Go to Basic > Application Integration Framework > Adapters.
   • Use the file system adapter and configure it to import CSV files from a specific directory.

4. Map Fields: Map the fields from your CSV to AX fields using the AIF document services.

5. Test the Import: Place the CSV file in the configured directory, and AX will pick it up and process the data based on your configuration.

Method 2: Using X++ Code

You can also create an X++ job to import data directly from a CSV file, which is suitable for small-scale imports or custom data structures. Below is an example code snippet for importing data:

Step 1: Prepare the CSV File

Ensure your CSV file is properly formatted with the required fields, like:

csv
Field1,Field2,Field3
Value1,Value2,Value3

Step 2: Write an X++ Job to Import Data

Here’s a basic example of X++ code to import data from a CSV file:

xpp
static void ImportCSVData(Args _args)
{
    #File
    AsciiIO asciiIO;
    TextIO textIO;
    CommaTextIO csvFile;
    container csvLine;
    str filePath = "C:\\path\\to\\your\\file.csv";
    str field1, field2, field3; // Define fields matching your CSV structure

    try
    {
        // Open CSV file
        csvFile = new CommaTextIO(filePath, #io_read);
        if (!csvFile)
        {
            throw error("Failed to open file");
        }

        // Read CSV line by line
        while (csvFile.status() == IO_Status::Ok)
        {
            csvLine = csvFile.read();
            if (csvLine)
            {
                // Map fields to AX table fields
                field1 = conPeek(csvLine, 1);
                field2 = conPeek(csvLine, 2);
                field3 = conPeek(csvLine, 3);

                // Insert data into the AX table
                YourTable tableBuffer;
                tableBuffer.Field1 = field1;
                tableBuffer.Field2 = field2;
                tableBuffer.Field3 = field3;
                tableBuffer.insert();
            }
        }
    }
    catch (Exception::Error)
    {
        error("An error occurred during the import.");
    }
}

Step 3: Run the Job

• Open the AOT in AX 2009.
• Go to Jobs.
• Create a new job and paste the X++ code.
• Run the job to import the data from the CSV file into the appropriate table.

Method 3: Use the Data Import/Export Wizard

1. Go to Administration > Periodic > Data Export/Import > Definition groups.
2. Create a new Definition Group.
3. Choose the relevant table to import the data into (e.g., vendors, items).
4. Export the template first to see the expected structure.
5. Modify the CSV file to match the template.
6. Use the Data Import Wizard to import the file into AX.

Notes

• Make sure the CSV file structure matches the AX table schema (field names, data types, etc.).
• If you are importing large amounts of data, consider doing it in batches to ensure performance.
• Always back up your data before importing new data, especially in a production environment.

Let me know if you need help with any specific part!